| Shinsuke Nakamura Quick Info | |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 104 kg |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1980 |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Spouse | Harumi Maekawa |
Shinsuke Nakamura is a Japanese professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist who made his professional debut on August 29, 2002. His well-respected name and indisputable reputation began to make its rounds in the world of wrestling after joining the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in March 2002, during which he had demonstrated an impressive combination of his strength, speed, and technical skill inside the boxing ring. At the time, his career was on the rise alongside fellow wrestlers Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata. His interest in professional wrestling was preceded by his interest in mixed martial arts. He made his MMA debut in a match against Daniel Gracie on December 2002 during which he was defeated via submission to an armlock. His defeat was followed by multiple wins from 2003 to 2005. Nakamura defeated Jan Norte via guillotine choke in May 2003, won another match against Shane Eitner, and acquired a historic title for defeating Horoyoshi Tenzan for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Amidst his reign in MMA fighting at the time, he was forced to vacate due to an injury. In March 2006, he formally announced his departure to further hone and improve his wrestling skills. His decision came after he challenged Brock Lesnar for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship but lost.
His time with NJPW ended in January 2016 following his interview with Tokyo Sports wherein he confirmed that he would be exiting from NJPW to sign with WWE. With WWE, he has performed on the SmackDown brand and has become the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Nakamura won the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble and the United States Championship in January 2018. In the Extreme Rules 2019 match, he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the first time which placed him at the 2nd spot next to Chris Jericho to hold both WWE and IWGP Intercontinental titles. His success was greatly influenced by his extensive training overseas during his time with the NJPW wherein he was able to gain the title as the three-time IGWP Heavyweight Champion. Before his debut with WWE, Nakamura was best known for his contributions and achievements in the NJPW.
Born Name
Shinsuke Nakamura
Nick Names
The Artist, The Rockstar, The King of Strong Style, Super Rookie
Sun Sign
Pisces
Born Place
Mineyama, Kyoto, Japan
Residence
Orlando, Florida, United States
Nationality
Education
He went to Aoyama Gakuin University in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, where he met his wife Harumi Maekawa. After graduation, he later attended the New Japan Pro Wrestling Dojo where he began pursuing his professional career as a wrestler.
Occupation
Professional Wrestler, Retired Mixed Martial Artist
Manager
Shinsuke Nakamura is represented by the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Company.
Build
Athletic
Height
6 ft 2 in or 188 cm
Weight
104 kg or 229 lbs
Boyfriend / Spouse
Shinsuke Nakamura has dated –
Race / Ethnicity
Asian
He is of Japanese descent.
Hair Color
Black
Eye Color
Dark Brown
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Distinctive Features
- Hooded Eyes
- Button Type Nose
- Oval-shaped Face
- Tall Height
Best Known For
- His achievements and contributions with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) before his WWE debut
- His highly reputable career as a professional wrestler and for gaining his title as the WWE Intercontinental Champion
- Holding both WWE and IWGP Intercontinental titles
First WWE Match
In April 2016, Shinsuke Nakamura made his debut with WWE in a match against Sami Zayn and won. In the same month, it was followed with another victory after winning his first NXT televised match against Tye Dillinger.
First MMA Match
In December 2002, he made his MMA debut in a match against the Brazilian MMA fighter and wrestler, Daniel Gracie, during which he was defeated via submission to an armlock.
Personal Trainer
Back in his early years with NJPW, Shinsuke Nakamura would go out of his way for his training and preparation before his next ring-match. He would go overseas just to train and there was even a time that he had traveled to Mexico, Brazil, and Russia to train with Brock Lesnar at Lesnar’s gym for muscle-building. Since his debut, he had trained with 3 of Japan’s best professional wrestling and MMA trainers, Inoki Dojo, Kotetsu Yamamoto, and Osamu Kido.
As for his workout parameters and healthy diet routines when preparing for his WWE matches, he usually follows an energy-draining workout pattern to prepare himself for fights and keep his physique well-shaped and ready for the match. He also trains in Brazilian Jiujitsu, karate, boxing, judo, and kickboxing. With that, it needs him to hit the gym at least 4 times a week and perform running, sparring, and weightlifting. For his on-the-go type of workout, he has squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.
Talking about his diet and how he maintains the balance between his training and eating the right food, Nakamura follows a traditional Japanese diet plan which comprises fish, vegetables, and fermented foods like tofu and natto. In a report published by on May 27, 2019, he specifically sighted his reason on why he prefers using “fermented foods” as part of his diet plan, adding that it helps boost his metabolism.
Shinsuke Nakamura Favorite Things
- Hobbies – Surfing
Source – Instagram
Shinsuke Nakamura Facts
Featured Image by Courtney Rose / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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